A CHARITY working to eradicate loneliness in Southampton is celebrating national Volunteers’ Week this week by highlighting some of the friendships it has seen blossom through its volunteer befriending scheme (June 3-9, 2024).
Communicare, which is dedicated to helping vulnerable and isolated people in the city, has launched a series of ‘Volunteer Stories’ on its website to give information on what volunteering entails.
The charity’s Manager, Annie Clewlow explains: “We’re often asked by people thinking of volunteering with us why they should choose Communicare. It would be easy for us to give lots of reasons to get involved, but it’s best if people hear from our volunteers themselves.
“So, as part of 2024 Volunteers’ Week, we’ve put together a series of ‘Volunteer Stories’ launching on June 3 to give you more information on what volunteering for us involves and how it benefits our service users as well as the volunteer. In the process of compiling these we’ve come across some amazing stories about fabulous friendships developing and it’s been an incredibly heart-warming experience.”
One of those stories is that of Communicare volunteer, Claire Rutherford who has been befriending service user Sheila Waddell for four years.
Sheila says: “We have got on so well from the beginning and really enjoy each other’s company, to the extent that when Claire recently got married, she invited not only me to the wedding, but also my daughter and son-in-law, and we all had a wonderful time!”
Communicare’s services are staffed by its devoted volunteers, known as Communiteers, who give their time freely.
The charity is currently supporting more than 700 individuals/families through tasks including, befriending, transport for appointments and assistance with shopping.
Annie adds: “We’ve spoken to volunteers who have told us volunteering changes lives. It’s a wonderful way to give back to society and help others, which in turn makes you feel great.
“Many volunteers get as much out of the experience as the service user or users they are assisting or befriending. Others say how rewarding it is to know they are helping others through the admin or office work they do for us as well. There are so many different volunteer roles available and we’re very flexible, so can work around people’s commitments.
“Some of our Communiteers befriend over the telephone and others email people, so there are some roles for volunteers that mean you don’t even need to leave home or do anything in person. It couldn’t be simpler.”
Communicare, which is a friendly, neighbourhood charity, is dedicated to providing services that enrich the lives of isolated people in and around Southampton.
Another Communicare volunteer is Jack Tomes. He says: “Me and my partner Beth have been visiting Communicare service user, Derek for a few months now and it has become a midweek staple to our routine. It has the comfort of feeling like we are visiting a friend, which in fact we are.
“We chat about lots of different things from what we’ve been up to in the week and how Derek’s allotment is coming along to putting the world to rights and sharing stories of times gone by and our families.
“Our Yorkshire terrier Moishe loves coming with us to see Derek Crookes and is always wagging with excitement to have a rough and tumble in his lounge. We’d recommend befriending to anyone who thinks they may enjoy it, as you will.”
Volunteers’ Week celebrates the amazing contributions volunteers make to communities across the UK.
The celebration starts on the first Monday in June every year. It’s a chance to recognise, celebrate and thank the UK’s incredible volunteers for all they contribute within our communities, the voluntary sector, and society.
The services Communicare provides are free to users, although beneficiaries are invited to donate if they are able to, and Communiteers are offered expenses.
Annie adds: “If you ever have a spare hour, or so, each week, then we’d love to hear from you, as we always need more volunteers and befrienders, and the experience may also benefit you too. We can be flexible and work around your other commitments. Please get in touch via 023 8250 0050 or volunteer@communicareinsouthampton.org.uk.”
To find out more about Communicare and volunteering with the charity, please visit www.communicareinsouthampton.org.uk.
